The Kinston City Council had a new look in 2014, but on Monday, it was business as usual.

“This looks like the beginning of a foundation of looking at Kinston as a whole as a municipal organization,” Kinston City Manager Tony Sears said. “We’ll be looking at other enterprise funds, along with general funds as far as needs are concerned.”

One of the major concerns discussed Monday included the approval of the Chestnut Street Stormwater Project and the state of the city’s sewer systems.

Kinston Public Services Director Rhonda Barwick said the organization has a 10-year plan involving 18 projects, which will total $38 million.

Barwick also said in the last 10 years, KPS had 15 projects totaling $54 million, with $40 million coming from grants, far from what is projected to be attained in the next 10 years.

“We’re getting ready to roll into the budget process, and we wanted to share concerns with the sewer system, by giving an update of what we need to work on in the next 10 years,” Barwick said. “With the decrease in grants we expect to see, we’re hoping for an increase in funds. In the last 10 years, the city only had to help us with $14 million, but we’re only projected to see about $7 million worth of grants in the next 10 years due to a decrease of funds available for sewer repair.”

Kinston Mayor B.J. Murphy said the council will look into the issue.

“The presentation on the condition of the sewer pipes was eye-opening, and we certainly need to look thoroughly at the manner,” Murphy said.

Murphy also highlighted the Holloway 10-and-under football team for their achievements through a presentation. The Vikings finished undefeated in the regular season and postseason, allowing no more than seven points in a game.

“Certainly the highlight for the community was celebrating the Holloway Vikings perfect season and getting young men recognized at City Hall,” Murphy said. “We’re proud of their achievements and wanted to celebrate their success.”

Monday’s board meeting was the first one for Wynn Whittington, who replaced Bobby Merritt after winning a seat in November’s elections.

The new councilman said he was excited to hear about the long-range planning discussed in the meeting.

“We had a productive meeting with a lot of good conversation, which will be crucial going forward,” Whittington said.

The next city council meeting won’t fall on its typical third Monday to honor the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Instead, it will fall on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.